In a surprising turn of events, 25-year-old Worcestershire fast bowler Josh Tongue is all set to make his debut for the England cricket team. He has been included in the playing XI for the one-off Test against Ireland scheduled to take place at Lord’s this week.

Originally called up as cover due to injury concerns over pacers James Anderson and Ollie Robinson, Tongue’s inclusion in the final XI comes as Anderson and Robinson have been given rest before the Ashes series, which begins next month.

What makes Tongue’s selection even more noteworthy is that he has been preferred over the experienced duo of Chris Woakes and Mark Wood. This decision by England’s team management to announce the side two days prior to the start of the match has raised eyebrows among cricket enthusiasts.